Abandoned Airfields Could Return to Use
Uzbekistan is considering restoring unused airfields and runways as part of plans to expand active tourism.
The measure is included in a draft presidential resolution aimed at developing new tourism services and infrastructure for active recreation.
Under the proposal, suitable facilities would be improved and then made available for lease to entrepreneurs. The initiative is intended to put existing aviation infrastructure that is currently abandoned or underused back into productive use.
Airfields Could Serve Light Aviation
The restored sites would primarily support tourism and recreational aviation activities.
Private operators could organize light-aircraft flights and use the facilities for parachuting and paragliding.
The approach could allow new tourism products to be developed without constructing entirely new airfields in locations where runways and suitable land already exist.
Actual operations would depend on the technical condition of each facility, required restoration work and compliance with aviation safety requirements.
Buildings Could Be Used for Training Centers
The proposal covers not only runways but also buildings located at former airfield sites.
These facilities could be leased to businesses for the establishment of training centers and the preparation of specialists involved in aviation and active tourism.
This could help create a broader business ecosystem around restored airfields, including training, technical services, tourist flights and recreational aviation activities.
Initiative Targets Active Tourism Growth
Reusing former airfields could expand the geography of aviation and adventure tourism across Uzbekistan. In individual regions, such facilities could become new tourist attractions and provide locations for private investment projects.
For now, however, the initiative remains part of a draft presidential resolution. No final list of airfields or runways to be restored and offered to private operators has been announced.
If the proposal is approved, the next steps would include identifying suitable facilities, carrying out reconstruction work and preparing them for commercial use.
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